LAS VEGAS  San Diego State's football team has been picked to take a slight step back in its final season in the Mountain West, with the media that covers the conference selecting the Aztecs to finish in fifth place.

The Aztecs, who will begin play in the Big East Conference in 2013, finished fourth in 2011 and were tied for third in 2010. They advanced to bowl games in both seasons.

SDSU, which lost offensive stars Ryan Lindley and Ronnie Hillman to the NFL, was one of only three teams to receive a first-place vote from the 30-member poll, along with Boise State (27) and conference newcomer Fresno State (2). But overall the Aztecs were chosen to finish behind the Broncos, Nevada, Fresno State and Wyoming. After SDSU came Air Force, Hawaii, Colorado State, UNLV and New Mexico.

Three Aztecs were chosen to the preseason all-conference team: cornerback Leon McFadden, wide receiver Colin Lockett and tight end Gavin Escobar. McFadden was picked as the preseason defensive player of the year. Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr earned the offensive honor.